Victor Perahia, the president of the French Union of Auschwitz Deportees and a Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 91. His death was announced by the Union of Auschwitz Deportees, stating that Perahia died in the eastern Paris suburb of Saint-Mande. The specific cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Born on April 4, 1933, in Paris to a family of fairground merchants, Perahia’s life took a tragic turn when he was deported as a child to the Nazi death camp of Bergen-Belsen. Following his internment in various camps, including Lande internment camp and Drancy camp, he was ultimately liberated by Soviet troops in March 1945. His father and maternal grandfather did not survive the atrocities of Auschwitz.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Perahia, highlighting his unwavering commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and his staunch advocacy against racism and antisemitism. As the world nears the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Perahia’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the six million European Jews and countless others who perished in the Holocaust.
Despite years of silence about the horrors he endured, Perahia courageously shared his story by publishing a memoir in 2015, shedding light on the stolen childhood he experienced. His efforts to educate future generations about the Holocaust were recognised by France when he was bestowed with the Knight of the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit.
With the loss of Victor Perahia, the world bids farewell to a remarkable survivor and advocate who dedicated his life to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting against intolerance and upholding basic human rights.